Novak Djokovic earns Clare Balding respect by taking up new job at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic impressed Clare Balding during the BBC's coverage of Wimbledon.
BBC Wimbledon host Clare Balding was impressed by Novak Djokovic as the Serb took to the practice courts on Sunday after booking a place in the fourth round.
The broadcaster cut to footage of the seven-time SW19 champion helping out the ground staff as he joined them in pushing the covers off the court, with the rain coming to a stop on another day affected by the British weather.
Djokovic was happy to help out and had a wide grin on his face as he sprinted along with the staff, before posing for pictures during his busy schedule, earning Balding's respect in the process.
Related articles
"Now, have a look at this," Balding began to explain. "Novak Djokovic, this is what you do on a day off, he’s out on Aorangi (Park) and he joins in with the court coverers to try and help them get those covers off. That’s brilliant stuff.
"Bearing in mind he had a really late finish tomorrow night - he’ll be back in action tomorrow - and he’s got a dodgy knee. Look at him, superman. And then pose for a photo, that will have made their day. Good stuff Djokovic."
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Nick Kyrgios, who practised with Djokovic two days prior, claimed that he was also helping out as he responded to the clip on X (formerly known as Twitter) with: "I’m in there as well working my a** off."
Djokovic was undergoing a recovery session the day after his 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) victory over Australia's Alexei Popyrin, which had been momentarily delayed thanks to England's Euro 2024 win over Switzerland, before the 37-year-old completed his comeback.
He entered Wimbledon just a few weeks after undergoing knee surgery, having torn his meniscus at the French Open in his last professional match before turning to the SW19 grass.
When @DjokerNole isn't winning matches on Centre Court, he's helping out with the covers ??????#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/cFh90q5Qmd
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2024
His knee has been tested against Popyrin, Jacob Fearnley and Vit Kopriva, setting up a last-16 clash with Holger Rune though admitted that his fitness was not exactly where he wanted it to be.
"I'm glad you think everything is OK, that's how it should work, but everything is far from OK," he informed Serbian media. "Well, about that another time - the movement was a lot better compared to the first two matches, I'm more free in that context, but everything is far from OK, I'm constantly working on the table to get ready for each subsequent match."